DDB Worldwide Announces the Acquisition of Synergy

NEW YORK, Aug. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- DDB Worldwide President and CEO Chuck Brymer announced today the acquisition of Synergy, a global player in medical and scientific communications that will be part of DDB Worldwide's growing DDB Health group.

Synergy will extend DDB's competencies beyond its core healthcare professional and consumer offerings to medical and scientific communications associated with market shaping and brand advocacy. "To be at the heart of the healthcare industry today also requires having service capabilities in the scientific arena," Brymer said. "With Synergy as part of the DDB family we are now able to work with pharmaceutical clients from the early stages of a new drug in pre-launch well into the post-launch period. By aligning these two related areas of business, we will offer greater value and innovation to our healthcare clients."

Founded by Gareth Evans in 1990, Synergy's area of focus and reputation have made the company a top choice of clients developing strategic positioning for new medicine launches. In addition, Synergy is known for an integrated offering of medical/science communications and educational PR, as well as its strong thought leader network and partnership as well as  issues management.

"Synergy's global capabilities and market-shaping expertise will distinguish the DDB offer from other competitors who do not possess these integrated capabilities in traditional and digital communications.  Their established thought leader network and global reach, combined with our professional healthcare and consumer communications skills, will make DDB a unique player in new global medicine launches," Mark Goldstone, President of DDB Health, said.

Synergy's global business is headquartered in Richmond, London, and Philadelphia, PA. The U.S. based operations are led by partner Susan Lohr, who cofounded the U.S. business with Evans. Synergy will retain its brand name, be led by Gareth Evans and report to Ian Dorrian, CEO of DDB Health UK.

Evans noted, "All of us at Synergy are looking forward to becoming an active part of DDB's global offer and working alongside some of the best creative and strategic minds in the industry. With so much expertise in digital, new media and consumer understanding, DDB is at the forefront of driving social creativity in the healthcare space and we are delighted to be going on that journey with them."

About DDB

DDB Worldwide Communications Group Inc. (www.ddb.com) ranks among the top five consolidated advertising and marketing services global networks, according to Advertising Age. Consistently one of the most awarded networks globally for creative excellence, DDB was Campaign's 2009 Global Network of the Year, the 2010 Spikes Asia Network of the Year, 2010 Eurobest Network of the Year, 2010 Campaign Asia Pacific Creative Network of the Year and captured both the Cyber Grand Prix and Film Craft Grand Prix at the 2010 International Advertising Festival in Cannes. With more than 200 offices in over 90 countries, DDB Group believes in the power of Social Creativity to grow the value and influence of brands around the world by creating ideas that people want to play with, participate in and pass along.  DDB Worldwide is part of Omnicom Group Inc. (OMC).

SOURCE DDB Worldwide